..::Football III::..

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'Juventus in pole position for Dybala'

Juventus are in “pole position” in the auction to buy Paulo Dybala, according to Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini.The 21-year-old has scored 13 goals in Serie A this season and his performances have seen him linked with top clubs across Europe.

Zamparini revealed the Scudetto holders are leading the race for the Argentine attacker's signature but that he does not want to sell for any less than €40 million this summer.

“Right now, Juve are in pole position,” Zamparini told France Football. “They want to close the deal in a week. But, of course, I want the best possible deal. Dybala is being auctioned.

“The Bianconeri have offered me €35m, but I want €40m or more. I’m also dealing with Arsenal.“Paris Saint-Germain have requested information from Dybala’s agent, they know the player is on the market.

“PSG are interested just as they are at Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter, Roma and Napoli.”

 

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Ibrahimovic: My four-match ban a disgrace to football

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has branded his four-match ban for a foul-mouthed referee rant as a "disgrace to football".The Paris Saint-Germain striker was caught on camera shouting that France was a “s*** country” after Laurent Blanc's men were defeated by Bordeaux in March.

Although he subsequently apologised for his language, and insisted he was not trying to slander France but merely show his frustration at refereeing decisions, on Thursday the LFP suspended him for four of the final seven Ligue 1 games of PSG's season.

His club, who are locked in a tight battle with Lyon and Marseille for supremacy in the top flight this season, slammed the ban as "disproportionate" and Ibrahimovic has reacted with equal displeasure.

"I was pleased as this proves what I have been saying," Ibrahimovic wrote on his official app. "Now people can see for themselves, with their own eyes, instead of me just saying it."The whole situation has become a farce - it's ridiculous and unprofessional, a disgrace to football.

"I would have been even happier if they had suspended me for the rest of the season so I could have gone on holiday already."There are no grounds for this ban. My words are not aimed at the referee. We had a normal conversation and he has confirmed this.

"If my words had been aimed at the ref I would have apologised when it happened."

Ibrahimovic will be allowed to feature in PSG's Coupe de la Ligue final against Bastia on Saturday, but will then not feature in another domestic match until May 9 against Guingamp.

He will also be on the sidelines for their home clash with former club Barcelona due to a harsh red card picked up in their Champions League last-16 tie at Chelsea, though he can return for the Camp Nou leg.

 

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Davor Suker: I'm not Croatia's Superman

Croatia legend Davor Suker has said he is “not Superman” following calls for him to use his place on Uefa's executive committee to change the nation's latest Euro 2016 sanctions.

Alleged racist chants and throwing of fireworks saw the Balkan nation slammed with a €50,000 fine and ordered to play June's European Championship qualification tie at home to Italy behind closed doors.

Croatian football federation chief Suker was elected to Uefa's 16-person executive committee, whom run the European football governing body, last month and there were calls for the former national team striker to use his new influence for the country's benefit.

However, Suker is adamant that correct routines must be followed and compared requests for him to pull strings behind the scenes to being a superhero or cartoon character.

"I did not expect those sanctions from Uefa, I'm as shocked as the rest of Croatia," he told RTL. "But we have procedures and Davor Suker is not Superman or the hero of an animated film.

"We have a football federation that works every day and, unless we're kicked out of Euros or Uefa, then we will continue to work diligently."

Croatia currently top Group H, two points clear of runners up Italy with whom they drew 1-1 last year, with two teams to qualify automatically for the finals in France next year.

Norway, against whom Croatia's fans were alleged by Uefa to have chanted racist songs, are two further points adrift of the Azzurri in the play-off spot.

 

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Aguero and Sterling star in Terry's PFA Team of the Year

Chelsea captain John Terry has named his PFA Team of the Year, with rumoured Blues target Raheem Sterling included as well as four Southampton players.

With players unable to pick their team-mates, Terry has sprung a few surprises, as Nathaniel Clyne, Jose Fonte, Ryan Bertrand and Sadio Mane all feature in his XI.

In goal, David de Gea gets the nod ahead of Tottenham star Hugo Lloris, while Laurent Koscielny partners Fonte in the heart of the defence.

Two Liverpool players are also selected, with Philippe Coutinho and Sterling - who Jose Mourinho recently advised Liverpool to sell - named in midfield, along with De Gea’s Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata.

Up front, Spurs striker Harry Kane – who scored twice against Chelsea in a 5-3 win on New Year’s Day – joins Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, who has hit 23 goals in all competitions thus far this season.

Morgan Schneiderlin, however, may feel unlucky to have missed out on Terry’s team, given his fine form this season, while Alexis Sanchez – who has enjoyed a superb debut season in the Premier League – is another notable snub.

 

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Maradona: Blatter scared because he can't buy votes anymore

Diego Maradona has claimed Sepp Blatter is scared he will lose in the upcoming Fifa presidency election as the organisation is "not longer allowed to buy votes".

The Argentine has thrown his backing behind Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan who, along with Luis Figo and Michael van Praag, is challenging the incumbent in the Fifa top job election to be held on May 29.And the outspoken Maradona was in typically blunt form as he criticised Blatter and talked up the positive impact he thinks Al-Hussein can have if he is voted in.

"I'm very happy to be part of this election team, to travel the world spreading the ideas of the Prince who undoubtedly would benefit world football," the World Cup winner told Diario Popular."Blatter is afraid because Fifa candidates are no longer allowed to buy votes; he was a person who could do this and now he cannot buy them any more.

"Therefore we believe this is a time for change. We will change Fifa for the better for everyone, making it cleaner in the process.

"I know the changes Al-Hussein made in his country and what he is capable of doing. I always said Fifa was in the hands of those who don't even like football at all."They always made it about business and now it's time we change who is in charge of football, to take control in order to progress."

In a subsequent press conference in Colombia, the former Barcelona and Napoli star reiterated his stance that the current Fifa president is ill-equipped to manage the organisation."There's no need to do what Blatter does," Maradona added. "To believe you're the most powerful in football when you've never even kicked a ball.

"So I'm going to guide the Prince. I think we have many chances of kicking Blatter in the ass, no doubt about it."

 

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Mancini refusing to jump Inter ship

Roberto Mancini is refusing to call it quits at Inter, despite having failed to turn around their faltering form since taking over late last year.

The former Manchester City and Galatasaray coach replaced Walter Mazzarri in November but has watched from the sidelines as the Nerazzurri have slumped to 10th.

Last weekend's draw with rock-bottom Serie A side Parma was met with fan fury and, ahead of Saturday's visit to Hellas Verona, the coach explained his theory that one success-free season is acceptable.

"I’m at a brilliant club," Mancini, who is alleged to have a get-out clause in his contract, told reporters. "I think we can get back to being competitive. To experience a year without trophies is not a huge deal if you're building a top team.
"There will be 300 days or so without trophies and in that time we’ll work to make the team stronger. Quitting Inter isn't in my plans.

"When the team and I spoke before the Parma match, the players knew it was the worst match we could face. Parma had nothing to lose.

"The financial situation which they’ve been in has seen them fall to the bottom of the table, it was a tough game which we had to tackle with a different approach.

"Even Roma drew with them. We couldn’t start thinking about winning 4-0 because of their situation, we must face every game at 100 per cent."

With nine games to go in the season, Mancini's men look destined to settle for midtable mediocrity as they are nine points off a Europa League place and nearer Serie A's bottom five.

 

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'I dream of Manchester derby win' - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal is dreaming of a first derby victory when Manchester United host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, but insists defeat would not be his side's biggest failure this season.

United suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in November, but have since capitalised on a poor run of form by Manuel Pellegrini's men to climb above their neighbours into third.

City have lost their last three away matches and Van Gaal is hopeful of inflicting more misery on the champions in the chase for Champions League qualification.

"I dream of it," the Dutchman told reporters. "Every player shall dream of victory. I've had to think with my staff and players a lot of days how we can beat Manchester City.

"You are sitting in that process to win against your next opponent and of course you want to win because it is a big step in the table.

"Third place is then reachable and, a month ago, nobody was thinking about that besides me.

"Third is also good because you are certain to qualify for the Champions League and we are doing better than the goals we set in pre-season."

However, Van Gaal believes two defeats to Swansea City this season will always rank as a bigger disappointment than potentially losing twice to United's local rivals.

"As Manchester United you cannot lose two times to Swansea City," he added. "I think that is a bigger failure than if we lose against Manchester City two times."

 

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'I dream of Manchester derby win' - Van Gaal

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Monaco will cling on to third - Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Silva says Monaco have their sights firmly set on finishing in Ligue 1's top three this season after defeating Caen on Friday.

Les Rouges et Blancs took the lead at the Stade Michel d'Ornano courtesy of 19-year-old striker Anthony Martial's opener after 29 minutes, but it was midfielder Bernardo Silva's double in the second half which put the three points beyond doubt.

Leonardo Jardim's men leapfrogged Marseille into third place with the victory, tentatively boosting them into a Champions League play-off qualification position with six games to go.

"It's great to have claimed the win," Bernardo Silva, 20, told Al Jazeera Sport. "It was the most important thing to win, especially considering our two draws preceding the Caen trip.

"We are very happy with the outcome. Our goal is to hold on to one of the top three spots. We want to keep third place, at least, and we will do everything in our power to do so."

Marseille, who face Bordeaux on Sunday, were defeated at home to Paris Saint-Germain the previous week which left them five points behind Laurent Blanc's men in the Ligue 1 title race.

Next up for Monaco is a visit to Turin on Tuesday to face Juventus in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the return fixture at the Stade Louis II to be played the following week.

 

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Barcelona close to Guardiola-level greatness - Emery

Sevilla boss Unai Emery believes Barcelona are closing in on the performance level they reached during Pep Guardiola's tenure.Guardiola stepped down from the Camp Nou job in the summer of 2012 and the Catalans have since struggled to stamp their authority on Europe.

The first six months of Luis Enrique's reign were overshadowed by Real Madrid's unrelenting winning streak but, with the European champions having dropped the ball in 2015, Barca now hold a four-point lead in La Liga and have their sights set on their first treble since Guardiola left.

Emery, who has overseen seven consecutive competitive wins heading into Saturday's clash, paid his compliments to how Lionel Messi and Co. have romped to nine successive triumphs."I think this Barcelona side s the closest one to Guardiola’s great team," he told reporters.

"Luis Enrique is doing a top job and you can see that in Barca's play, regardless of whether their possession has increased or decreased. They’re in a very good place right now."

“The challenge of taking on Barca always motivates me, though I always think about winning no matter who our opponent is. I hope it's a great game and we see an excellent Sevilla performance."

Sevilla could leapfrog Valencia - at least until Monday, when Nuno Espirito Santo's men face Levante - into fourth place with a win over Barca, who may well have one eye on their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

 

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Van Persie ruled out of Manchester derby

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Robin van Persie will not feature in Sunday's derby with City, despite having returned to training after injury.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined since the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in February with an ankle problem, having featured in just 24 of United's 31 Premier League games this season.

And while Van Persie has returned to full training ahead of Sunday's clash, Van Gaal insists his countryman is not yet in good enough condition to play.

When asked if Van Persie was ready for action, Van Gaal replied: "No. He's back in training sessions so that is a plus. He trained two days with us and today he had recovery. So I think that is not enough to play."

Van Gaal also revealed that Luke Shaw remains a doubt for the game, though Chris Smalling should feature despite being taken off through illness for England against Italy.

"We have to wait and see always [on Smalling and Shaw]. I don't think Shaw [will play] but I do think Smalling can play."

 

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Dortmund could play into our hands - Kramer

Borussia Dortmund may have enjoyed a recent upturn in form but Christoph Kramer believes their approach could play into Borussia Monchengladbach's hands when they meet on Saturday.

The 2013 Champions League finalists spent the first half of the Bundesliga campaign fighting a relegation battle but have recovered since the winter break to move to within six points of a Europa League spot.

But as they prepare to meet third-placed Gladbach at Borussia-Park, Kramer has told Goal his team could revel in the space Dortmund are likely to leave given their attacking frame of mind.“We saw in the first game against Dortmund that they are still a very good team. We have to be on high alert,” warned Kramer.

“But maybe it is an advantage that they also want to get forward. That is more convenient for us because we then get to occupy more quality space.”

Kramer’s calamitous own goal – a 40-yard lob of goalkeeper Yann Sommer – was the only goal in the first clash between the two sides this season, and the German World Cup winner still finds it hard to explain how he ended up making such a dramatic error.“It was a mad situation. You could try it 100 times but you would probably never hit the ball like that again,” added the 24-year-old.

“If the ball flies off the pitch, nobody cares in that situation. Instead, mine went into the goal. It was just bad luck… football is like that sometimes.”

Kramer is on a two-year loan deal at Gladbach from Bayer Leverkusen and while there were reports he was involved in a spat with Leverkusen director Rudi Voller over his return in the summer, the midfielder insists his future has always been clear.

“I did not have a row with anybody. It is logical that I would feel good here at Gladbach, but I knew my time here would be up someday and that I have a contract with Bayer Leverkusen. So this is a logical step for all parties.”

Last summer Kramer was knocked out in the first half of the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina after a collision with Ezequiel Garay having been called into the side to replace the injured Sami Khedira moments before kick-off.He says the events of that night remain somewhat hazy but still enjoys looking back at the small part he played in his nation's success in Brazil.

“I have watched it back a few times now and I can figure out what happened. But I have hole in my memories, which I guess everybody could have worked out by now!

“I like to think back to that night though. Just as with memories from your childhood, it is nice to look back at that final at the Maracana.”

 

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Maradona on Van Gaal: He is like the devil

Diego Maradona has likened Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal to the devil for not playing Radamel Falcao on a regular basis.

The Colombian has made just 12 Premier League starts since moving to Old Trafford on a lucrative one-year loan deal from Monaco last summer - a move that looks increasingly unlikely to be made permanent.

Falcao has rarely impressed in a United shirt but Maradona insists the problem lies with Van Gaal, who was recently described as a "bad man" by Franck Ribery in an exclusive interview with Goal.

"Van Gaal is not a cool guy. He is closer to the devil than anything else," Maradona told reporters at a press conference in Colombia ahead of his participation in a 'pro peace match'.

"The World Cup was great and I think everyone felt Colombian at least for a while, when James [Rodriguez] or [Juan] Cuadrado had the ball.

"If Falcao was there, Colombia may be celebrating their first WC glory.

"Falcao was conditioned due to his severe injury. Moving from France to England was tough and he needed to adapt himself."

Maradona also had words of praise for James Rodriguez, who has established himself as a key player for Real Madrid after a scintillating breakout performance at last summer's World Cup in Brazil.

"James is a talented left-footed player," he added. "Exquisite, ideal... like many left-footed footballers."

 

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Mourinho open to Chelsea deal for Yoshinori Muto

Jose Mourinho admits he is open to Chelsea’s move for FC Tokyo forward Yoshinori Muto but insists the club would not sign a player who has no chance of competing for a first-team place.

Earlier this week, the Japanese club’s president Naoki Ogane claimed Chelsea have submitted a “formal offer” for the 22-year-old, who scored 13 goals in the J-League last season.

In February, the Blues announced a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal worth €55 million with the Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohama Rubber Company, and Mourinho hints the club’s move for Muto could be influenced by their commercial ties.

“I don’t think about players, I don’t think about next season, I don’t think of anything after QPR,” said Mourinho

“That’s modern football, that’s modern management so there is something that in modern management you cannot close completely the door to a little bit of commercial interests but at the same time a football club is always a football club and a top football club has only space for very good players or at least very good prospects.

“So no we would never bring a player if the player has no capacity to be in the Chelsea football squad.

“In modern football and football is a business, you have to think about the financial situation, especially a club like Chelsea that wants always to be under the rules of Financial Fair Play.

"But we are a football club, we want to win matches and trophies, but we don’t get players if we don’t believe the player is a good player or prospect, that is for sure.”

When asked how much he knew about Muto, Mourinho replied: "I know a little, yes. I don’t think it’s nice for me to speak about a player that plays for FC Tokyo.

“If the FC Tokyo coach speaks about my players I wouldn’t be happy.”

 

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Bayern situation is critical - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has described Bayern Munich's injury situation as "critical" as they prepare for next week's Champions League quarter-final against Porto without a number of their star men.

Mehdi Benatia is the latest man to succumb to injury after being ruled out for up to four weeks with a hamstring problem on Friday.

He joins Arjen Robben (stomach), David Alaba (knee) and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has an ankle knock, on the sidelines ahead of a critical period of the season.Franck Ribery is back in training following an ankle problem but could also miss out, while Javi Martinez is still absent with a knee injury.

"We had problems, now we have even more problems. Our situation is very critical," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt.

"[Schweinsteiger] will not be there against Frankfurt. I do not know whether [Ribery] can fly with us to Porto on Monday. We must not forget he has missed five weeks. If he can play maybe five minutes it will be a help."

Asked about a potential return date for Robben, Guardiola added: "Maybe he's back in the DFB-Pokal [semi-final on April 28] against Dortmund. We wait for him."We must concentrate on the players that we have. We want to keep on fighting for three titles even in this situation."

One positive for Guardiola is the return to fitness of Philipp Lahm and Thiago Alcantara, but the former Barcelona boss says the length of time they spent on the sidelines means they can't be expected to make an instant return to top form.

"They're very important, because without them, we would not have 11 players available. We can't expect Thiago to win us matches after a break that long. The same goes for Philipp Lahm."

 

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Dani Alves unaffected by contract talk - Luis Enrique

Dani Alves remains unaffected by the latest developments regarding his future at Barcelona, according to coach Luis Enrique.

On Thursday, the player's ex-wife, who operates as his agent, confirmed the right-back had received a one-year contract offer from Barca, with the option of two additional years - a deal the Brazilian has opted to turn down.

The 31-year-old - whose current agreement expires at the end of the season - would, however, have had to play in a minimum of 60 per cent of the club's matches next term to activate the extra length of contract,His representative added that an unnamed side - widely reported to be Paris Saint-Germain - has offered him a three-year deal and a wage and stated that talks between him and Barcelona are now over."Barcelona players are specialists in living with controversy," said Luis Enrique at Friday's press conference. "Watching Dani Alves train today, I don't think he will be affected by it. The players know what is at stake, it won't affect the group."

Coincidentally, the Catalans face Dani Alves' former club Sevilla on Saturday in La Liga - the same side from which they also bought midfielder Ivan Rakitic last summer.

Luis Enrique has noted the change in style since the departure of the Croatia star and is well aware of the threat they pose at their Sanchez Pizjuan stadium - where they are unbeaten in 31 matches.

"Last season they played in a more elaborate style with Rakitic in the side. Now they work around [Vicente] Iborra, who is a playmaker and creates danger.
"Their stadium is very difficult and they are one of the best teams in the division. They don't lose very often at home and can play in many different styles, which makes it very difficult."

 

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Bale out but Ronaldo reprieve is vital - Ancelotti

Gareth Bale will miss Real Madrid's La Liga clash with Eibar in a bid to ensure he is fit for Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.

The world-record signing has been struggling with a nagging foot injury in recent days and, while he took part in the 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, he will sit out Saturday's fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu in preparation for Tuesday's crucial clash.

"Bale is not available, he has been tested and he has an overload," Ancelotti told a press conference on Friday. "It is better to rest him so that he is ready on Tuesday."

There was better news for the Blancos earlier on Friday when Cristiano Ronaldo's yellow card at Rayo Vallecano was rescinded, freeing him to line up against Eibar.
“We thought the yellow card was unjust, so we challenged it," said Ancelotti of the booking for alleged diving.

"We need Ronaldo for Saturday as it is an important day. We have great respect for Eibar and we cannot fail. We need the best starting XI possible available to us."
Luka Modric played 90 minutes for the second time in only three days in Vallecas but was seen grabbing at his left thigh as he left the pitch in pain as he continues his comeback from a four-month layoff.But Ancelotti insists there is no cause for concern and the Croatian midfielder will line up against Eibar.

"Modric ended tired as there was only one rest day, but they are all tired. Luka will play."

Madrid go into the 16:00 CET kick-off trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, with the Catalans taking on Sevilla four hours later.

 

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It's not easy to keep Clyne at Southampton, admits Koeman

Nathaniel Clyne's long-term future at Southampton has been cast in doubt after manager Ronald Koeman admitted the club face a battle to retain his services.

Manchester United are set to step up their interest in the England international, with Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez potentially included in a deal worth close to €35 million.

Mauricio Pochettino is also keen on a reunion with Clyne at Tottenham and Chelsea have also been linked, but Koeman has insisted Southampton will do "everything" to prevent another highly rated youngster leaving St Mary's.

"We are still trying to keep Clyne in the club. We know it's not easy as maybe there is some interest," Koeman told BBC Radio Solent.

"At the moment, there is not a serious bid for whichever player in the team, but we'll do everything to keep them."

Koeman is also seeking clarity on the future of on-loan Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

The Liga champions' sporting director Jose Luis Perez recently stated that the Belgian would return to the Spanish capital next season.

"Always, you like to have an answer as soon as possible," he added. "It's more the business of Les Reed [Southampton's director of football].

"We know he wants to be at Southampton. I've read a comment that the technical director at Atletico Madrid wants him to return, so we will know in some weeks what will happen with Toby."